About This Reference
This site compiles publicly available information on harbor debris tracking and cleanup coordination in Canada, organized for practical reference use.
What This Site Covers
Home and Harbor is a reference site focused on three documented areas of harbor debris management in Canada:
- Litter audit data collection procedures for commercial and small-craft harbors
- Safe handling and recovery procedures for derelict fishing gear, including ghost nets and lost traps
- Coordination frameworks for working with federal and local port authorities on debris removal operations
The content is drawn from publicly available sources including Transport Canada guidelines, Fisheries and Oceans Canada documentation, and international marine litter reference frameworks adapted to the Canadian regulatory environment.
What This Site Is Not
This is not an official government publication. It is not affiliated with Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, or any port authority. Nothing on this site constitutes legal advice or supersedes current federal or provincial regulations. Before conducting any debris removal operation in or adjacent to a Canadian harbor, operators should consult the relevant port authority and verify current regulatory requirements.
Scope and Jurisdiction Notes
Canada's marine environment falls under overlapping federal jurisdictions. Transport Canada is responsible for navigation safety and port operations. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has jurisdiction over fish habitat and fishing gear. The Canadian Coast Guard handles pollution response and aids to navigation. Port authorities—whether federal port authorities established under the Canada Marine Act or local harbor authorities—hold operational jurisdiction over specific harbor areas.
For debris removal involving commercial fishing gear, DFO's Lost Fishing Gear Recovery program is the primary federal reference. For harbor-based operations affecting navigation, the relevant port authority must be consulted prior to any in-water activity.
Content Updates
Pages are reviewed and updated as source documentation changes. Each article carries a "Last updated" date. If you identify outdated information or a factual error, use the contact form on the home page to submit a correction.
Contact
General inquiries: info@homeandharbor.org